There are so many sites and places to buy a corset.  While custom is of course best, when starting out it's quite an expensive leap to make off the bat. So here are some "Off The Rack" corsets I have and would recommend.

My first corset was from this store called http://www.timeless-trends.com/

I have the one pictured above "Emerald Brocade Under-Bust". By the way when starting out I recommend an under-bust as apposed to over-bust. Unless you are around a C cup or smaller under-busts can be hard to get a good fit in. Even then I would still start with an under-bust.

This is a beautiful corset. I believe all of Timeless Trends corsets are cut from the same basic pattern and construction so you are really only deciding on the fabric. They are usually around $99 dollars, (sometimes less, check their sale section!) which is an amazing deal because they are extremely well made. They have a lifetime guarantee. shipping was really fast too.

The only down side for me is they have more of a modern hourglass shape. I can't cinch my waist as much as I am capable because there isn't quite enough room for my big hips. I have about a  25" to 26" waist and 38" hips. The one I own is a 24" corset and I feel comfortable with it laced all the way, but It does pinch a little at the hips. I could also see displacement bulge being an issue if I went smaller.

This is one of my absolute favorites! The Morticia Corset from What Katie Did.

http://www.whatkatiedid.us.com/products/corsets (this is their US site)

I love the curves this corset has. The hip gores leave plenty of room for my big hips so I can lace down much better. It's a long line corset so it holds everything in nicely down below.  WKD corsets are all so beautiful and they have so many beautiful vintage inspired styles. They are not made for training or tight lacing. I own a 20" Morticia, I usually only lace down around 23". But because of the curvy construction a 23" waist looks like a 20" waist . It was around $275 last I checked but they sometimes have great deals in their Ebay store and in their LA and London shops.

My other favorite is my Josephine under-bust by Isabella Corsetry  http://www.corsetmaker.com/cat/Very similar to the Morticia with the hip gores and and all around curves. The Morticia has more of a V shaped ribcage, this one is slightly more curved over the ribs. It's also a little more sturdy for training. I use this one most often for daily wear. It is in their immediate shop for $175, I got mine on sale for $140 a few months ago.

Ok add to this list ladies...